A renowned computer scientist and Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Oyo State Chapter, C.I.T.P. Babatunde Joseph Bamgbade (JP), has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) in recognition of his professional accomplishments and contributions.
The conferment took place on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the 48th Annual Conference of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, held at Bolingo Hotel, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Bamgbade was said to have successfully fulfilled the rigorous academic and professional criteria stipulated by the association before being found worthy of the distinguished fellowship.
The recognition represents another significant milestone in his professional career, particularly given his longstanding contributions to forestry research, information and communication technology, professional development and institutional administration.
Born on Tuesday, October 9, 1973, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to the late Alhaji (Chief) Lateef A. Bamgbade and Mama Rachael O. Bamgbade, he hails from the Igbonna House of Popoyemoja Compound, Ibadan, on his father’s side, while his maternal lineage is traced to the Orasogun Dynasty of Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
An accomplished academic and professional, Bamgbade holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Computer Science, as well as a Professional Master’s degree in Computer Science (MCS). He is also pursuing a PhD in Computer Science.
His academic qualifications include an Intermediate Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology, a Final Diploma in Physics/Electronics from the University of Ibadan, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
His areas of professional expertise include software development, data mining, artificial intelligence and predictive machine learning.
Bamgbade began his career in the Federal Civil Service on September 3, 2007, when he joined the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), under the Federal Ministry of Environment, at its headquarters in Jericho GRA, Ibadan.
After serving meritoriously at the institute’s headquarters for 11 years, he was transferred on July 4, 2018, to the newly established ICT Centre of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, as one of its pioneer staff members.
He also served at Kola-Daisi University, Ibadan, where he combined the responsibilities of Head/Coordinator of the ICT Unit with lecturing duties in the Department of Computing Science and Digital Technology.
Before then, he worked as a part-time facilitator and project supervisor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ibadan Study Centre, where he supervised 25 undergraduate projects between 2016 and 2018.
Beyond his professional engagements, Bamgbade has demonstrated considerable interest in research, academic development and knowledge sharing. He has participated in numerous national and international conferences and workshops, where he has presented research findings and contributed to professional discussions.
His professional affiliations include the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society of the United States, Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), and the Forestry Association of Nigeria, among others.
He has also authored several scholarly papers published in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings and other academic platforms. In addition, he serves as an editor for some academic journal publishing organisations and as a reviewer for conferences, including IndabaX.
In the area of professional leadership, Bamgbade has occupied several important positions. He is currently the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Oyo State Chapter, having served his first term from 2022 to 2024 before commencing his second term in 2024.
He also served as Chairman of the ICT Committee of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) between 2023 and 2025 and as Public Relations Officer of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Oyo State Chapter.
His other leadership positions include Assistant General Secretary of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch; Vice President of the Highlife Music Fans Club International; and former Assistant Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSUTHRAI), FRIN Branch.
His contributions also extend to community development, public service and social responsibility. In recognition of his service to society, he was conferred with the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in 2022.
He has served in various capacities in the Bashorun Ogunmola House Owners and Residents Association (BOHERA), New Bodija Estate, Ibadan, including General Secretary, Committee Secretary and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
He has equally served in the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at different levels, including the Ashi Police Divisional Headquarters, Oyo State Police Command and Agodi Area Command.
Bamgbade also serves as Assistant Rescue Marshal General and Deputy National Director of ICT of Uniquely Neutral Rescue Services (UNRS).
His contributions and professional accomplishments have attracted several recognitions, including a Merit Award from the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, in 2026, an Award of Excellence from the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch, and recognition for his leadership of the Nigeria Computer Society, Oyo State Chapter.
A committed family man, Bamgbade is married to Mrs Olaminike O. Bamgbade, and their marriage is blessed with two children, Dayo and Ayo.
The latest fellowship conferred on him by the Forestry Association of Nigeria is another addition to his growing list of professional and leadership recognitions.
His elevation is expected to further encourage his commitment to professional excellence, research, technological advancement, forestry development and community service.
Congratulations have continued to pour in for Bamgbade on the landmark achievement, with colleagues, friends and well-wishers celebrating his latest professional milestone.
